Our favourites
Hotels and B&Bs
One of the things I love is finding cozy places to stay when we travel. If the accommodation radiates soulfulness, it is often owned by people who have put a large part of their soul into the place and the staff are also very pleasant and welcoming. No wonder, perhaps, because they help to create the atmosphere that the place has and that we just love when we are traveling here in Italy.
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TIP: Go to the hotel's website and ask for a price offer - you often get a good offer outside the high season.
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We start with a few favorites and then I add more as we find these, often well hidden, hotels/B&Bs.
Milan
Milan is a big city with a fast pace, beautiful architecture and a melting pot for fashion. People come here, from all over the world, to visit fairs and see the latest in fashion and art. Be careful with your bank card, it can get a little hot when all the big fashion brands are available within a 10-minute walking radius.
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Must see: Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Cimiterio Monumentale,
In Navigli (Milan's answer to Grünerløkka)
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Hotel tip: Lafavia4 Milano
A super central, homely B&B with beautifully decorated rooms/apartments, each with its own character. The tram stops right outside the hotel and most places are a maximum of 10 minutes away and you travel with the incredibly charming old trams. Good breakfast that can be ordered on request and in summer it is served outside on the roof terrace.
The owner teaches tarot and is cordially present every morning - if you're lucky he has time for a reading.
Venice
The city is built on stilts driven into the clay to stabilize the ground and surrounded by water on all sides. Venice has a very special atmosphere and even though I have visited the city several times, it just feels like I have lifted a small piece of a blanket that hides all the city's secrets.
Must see: St. Mark's Square, Bridge of Sighs, Murano and everything else. Bring good shoes and walk around the city early in the morning or in the evening - always just as magical!
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Hotel tips: Bloom and Settimo Cielo.
This stylish B&B is located next door to the San Stefano church, super central in Venice. Walking distance to most everything and if your legs are tired, it's not far to the nearest water bus that goes criss-crossing the canals.
The owner of these two B&Bs is an interior designer and it really shows in the elegantly furnished rooms, which all have one color theme. At the reception you will be greeted by English Anthony who has lived in the city for the past 20 years and is more than happy to give you tips on how to spend the day and where to eat. At the top of the rooms there is a roof terrace where you have a great view out over the roofs.
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Quercianella
Quercianella is located a little south of Livorno and is an old seaside town that today breathes a little slowly and is a little "forgotten" by foreign tourists. The city itself is not that exciting, but we have found a gem of a restaurant/hotel that we visit when the longing for a bath and good food presses on.
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Must see: The sea and the sunset
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Hotel tip: Villa Margherita
We found this hotel by chance looking for a swimming beach in the summer heat. The first thing that attracted our attention was a large private car park, meaning no problems with parking in the summer season.
The other surprise was the outdoor area with a fantastic sea view. Here there were ancient statues, hills planted, a pool and a restaurant on the terrace in front of the hotel. Everything taken out of an Italian film from the 50s.
The fact that the seafood tastes heavenly doesn't matter and it goes perfectly with a glass of prosecco while you enjoy the sunset.
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Please note that we have never stayed at the hotel, but it is used a lot for weddings and parties.
Viterbo
The city is perhaps best known for its hot baths and for the light festival held on 3 September. You can read more about the city and the light festival on our blog :
Must experience: The hot springs that can be found both as a SPA but also for free in the nature around the city.
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Hotel tip: B&B dei Papi
A small personal B&B in the middle of the city's historic centre. If you come by car, you can park in the public car park below the historic center and take the lift up to the old town. Then the hotel is only a few minutes' walk away.
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The hotel is run by a married couple who have decorated the hotel with a focus on relaxation, history and pleasure. Breakfast is served in a cozy room in the personal small suite (4 in total).
If you want to book accommodation, we recommend that you contact them directly and ask for a good offer.
Bay of Naples
If you are going to visit the Bay of Naples with Naples, Sorrento, Vesuvi, Pompei and the Amalfi Coast, then it may be worthwhile to stay in Castellammare de Sabbia. Cheaper and less touristy. But it's a good idea to have a car, preferably one that isn't too big ;-).
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Must see: Pompeii, Monte Faita, Amalfi Coast
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Hotel tip: Alessia's B&B
Large, spacious apartment that is rented out via Arbnb. Alessia and her husband welcome you with open arms and the drive on the narrow road up to the house with the apartment is an adventure in itself. Private parking outside.
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The apartment can accommodate up to 6 people, has two bathrooms, a large kitchen with all equipment and a beautiful view of the Bay of Naples. Patio and nice to take a walk in the local area. Several good restaurants close by. Ask Alessia and her husband for advice and tips and they will be more than happy to help you.
